Union govt releases funds to drought-hit taluks

The Union government has released a sum of Rs 868 crore to take up minor irrigation projects in the drought-affected taluks of the State.

The State government had submitted a proposal to take up about 493 different minor irrigation projects in 81 drought-affected taluks at a cost of Rs 685 crore. Of these, the Centre approved 404 projects to be taken up in five phases, Secretary to Minor Irrigation Department P N Srinivasachary said.

Each of these projects covers about 50 hectares. Altogether, about 42,076 hectares of land will be irrigated under these projects. While the Centre will meet 90 per cent of the project cost, the balance 10 per cent will be met by the State government. Many of these projects will be completed by March this year, he said.

Gulbarga, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga and Chamarajanagar districts will mainly benefit from the proposed projects. About 100 projects will be implemented in Gulbarga district alone. Irrigation will be provided by constructing barrage-cum-bridge, he said.

Besides, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 233 crore for desilting and rejuvenating tanks. Construction of canals and strengthening of tank bunds will also be taken up.

The State had sought Rs 349.29 crore for flood control projects in urban areas, but the Centre has sanctioned Rs 95.64 crore. The projects will be taken up in Shimoga, Mudhol and Holenarasipura towns. Tenders to take up works in Shimoga and Holenarasipura have already been finalised. The Centre will fund 75 per cent of the cost, while the State will bear 25 per cent under these projects, the secretary said.